Section I: Every Voice Counts: An Introduction to the HIV Advocacy Network Your Voice is Important 2 HAN Keeps You Informed 2 HAN Enhances Your Voice 3 HAN Member Responsibilities 3 Section II: Once Voice Can Make a Difference How You Can Create Change 4 Register and Vote to End AIDS 4 Who Represents You? 4 Taking Our Issues to City Hall, Sacramento or Washington, D.C. 5 Two Rules for Influencing Public Policy 5 Communicating with Your Elected Officials 5 Five Key Elements of Effective Communication 6 Writing a Letter 6 Sending an Email 6 Calling Your Elected Officials 6 Providing Public Testimony 7 Some Do’s and Don’ts in Providing Public Testimony 7 Meeting with Elected Officials and Their Staff 8 Potential Legislative Meeting Scenarios 9 Where to Go to be “In the Know” About Federal and State Policy, Legislation and Politics 11 SAMPLES 12 Section III: Many Voices Create a Movement Building and Mobilizing Networks and Coalitions 22 HIV/AIDS Advocacy Coalitions 22 Working Toward a Shared Goal 23 PAGE Tips for Building a Strong and Successful Coalition 23 Tools for Mobilizing Networks and Coalitions 25 Where to Go to be “In the Know” About Working in Coalitions 26 SAMPLES 27 Section IV: Make Your Voice Count Using the Internet Become an Advocate in Cyberspace 29 Creating a Website 29 Internet Tools for Advocates 29 Email 30 Email Advocacy Tip 30 Electronic Bulletin Boards/News Groups 30 Sign-up for Daily Email Updates 30 Electronic Town Meetings 30 Search the Internet 31 Where to Go to be “In the Know” Using the Internet for Advocacy 31

Section V: Elevate Your Voice Using the Media Why Use the Media? 32 Using the Media to Shape a Policy Agenda 33 Educate Yourself; Develop a Media Plan 33 What is Newsworthy? 33 Developing a Message 34 Some Tips for Message Development 34 Working with Reporters 35 Staying On Message 35 Sample Bridging Phrases 35 Pitching a Story 36 Be Prepared – Common Questions from the Media 36 Media Advocacy Tools 36 Media Advisory 36 News Release 37 Letter to the Editor 37 Opinion-Editorials 38 Editorials 39 Making News: Events That Create News 39 Ideas for Creating News 39 Where to Go to be “In the Know” About Media Advocacy 40 SAMPLES 41

Appendices Appendix A: A Brief Overview of the Legislative and Budget Processes 48 Appendix B: Are Non-Profits Allowed to Lobby? 52 Appendix C: Useful HIV/AIDS-Related Websites 53 Introduction

Are You Ready to Make a Difference?

Whether you’re new to grassroots advocacy, or are interested in strengthening your skills, this manual is for you. It’s full of tips and useful knowledge designed to help you ensure that policy makers in City Hall, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. are responsive to the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in your community.

As we approach the 20-year marker of the first reported cases of AIDS in the U.S., the need for community involvement in HIV and health policy has never been greater. Each year, more people are living with HIV/AIDS than ever before, and despite significant progress, studies show that over two-thirds of these individuals are still not receiving regular health care, and that there are significant disparities in access to care and health outcomes. The disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS in As we approach African American and other communities of color has resulted in the 20-year marker a state of emergency. There are signs that HIV infections are on of the first reported the rise, particularly among gay and bisexual men. Injection drug cases of AIDS in use continues to play a role in over half of new HIV infections in the U.S., the need the United States. And we face a global pandemic that is out of for community control. involvement in HIV and health Thank you for your commitment to community activism and policy has never grassroots advocacy. Your involvement will help ensure that, as been greater. we begin the third decade of the AIDS pandemic, political interest and attention to AIDS issues will not wane. It will help ensure that important accomplishments – such as the Ryan White CARE Act, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS program and the Congressional Black Caucus/Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative -- are available for years to come.

Your continued commitment and community activism will also move us closer to our ultimate goal -- to end the pandemic and human suffering caused by HIV/AIDS.

- 1 - Section I EVERY VOICE COUNTS AN INTRODUCTION TO HAN

Your Voice is Important!

The HIV Advocacy Network (HAN) is the grassroots, community-organizing program of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s (SFAF) Public Policy Department. HAN mobilizes HIV service providers, advocates and persons living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS in Northern California to promote sound HIV policy and legislation.

Through participation in HAN, Californians who care about the HIV/AIDS pandemic become directly involved in policy making, and learn to advocate effectively at the local, state and federal levels of government. HAN is a respected voice throughout Northern California with more than 1,000 members from the Oregon border to Bakersfield and beyond. Together, HAN members are part of a movement to create change!

HAN Keeps You INFORMED! HAN provides members timely information through the following services:

Action and Informational Alerts Sent via fax, mail and e-mail, these alerts brief members on breaking HIV policy developments and include suggestions for urgent grassroots action. From time to time, HAN also provides informational mailings with in-depth information on specific issues.

HIV Policy Watch Distributed 10 times a year via mail and email, HIV Policy Watch updates members on federal and state HIV policy developments.

www.SFAF.org Current and archival issues of HIV Policy Watch, press releases, position papers, and legislative contact information are posted on SFAF’s website at www.sfaf.org. See the Hot Topics buttons on the Policy page for in-depth information and links related to key issues.

Policy Briefings/Roundtables HAN members are invited to take part in briefings and roundtables on various HIV policy issues. At these events, SFAF policy staff and other policy and legislative experts update participants on current events and solicit input from community members. HAN Enhances Your Voice!

HAN helps members learn and use new advocacy skills by offering the following:

Advocacy Conferences Each year, HAN hosts a grassroots advocacy conference that includes briefings on current and emerging HIV/AIDS policy issues, as well as skills-building workshops that teach members how to use various advocacy tools to enhance local grassroots efforts (e.g. conducting legislative visits, use of the media, etc.).

Advocacy Trainings HAN collaborates with agencies throughout Northern California to develop trainings for local residents that are tailored to the specific issues and needs that advocates face in different areas and in different communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

Lobby Days HAN is a lead organization involved in outreach for Northern Californians who attend lobby days in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. (such as AIDSWatch). HAN helps organize dynamic events that empower participants and influence policy.

District Meetings HAN offers information and technical assistance to members who want to organize meetings with elected officials in their local district offices so that legislators hear directly about issues that are important to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Letters, Phone Calls and Emails HAN Action Alerts provide information that members can use to contact legislators or other policy makers. HAN also offers an on-line legislative directory with email links to all members of Congress and the State Legislature from Northern California.

Remember: Your Voice Counts, But Only if You Use It! HAN Member Responsibilities While HAN has over 1,000 members, it’s only as powerful and influential as the actions its members take individually and collectively. Each HAN member is vitally important to the effectiveness of the network, and each member is responsible for its success. There are many different ways you can get involved in grassroots advocacy; the important thing is to participate, whether it’s by taking part in a Lobby Day, calling or writing your elected officials, or meeting with your legislators. Though HAN membership is FREE, we ask that members take seriously their responsibility to be informed, get involved and take action! Section II ONE VOICE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

How YOU Can Create Change

You don’t need to be a professional lobbyist to influence how HIV/AIDS policy and legislation is created. All you need is personal experience, factual information to back up your personal expertise, and knowledge of who the key decision-makers are and what is most likely to influence them. SFAF’s HIV Advocacy Network (HAN) has factual and political information to help you Register and Vote to End AIDS! in this effort. But really, it all starts with you! One of the most important actions you can take to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic is to learn about the If you, or someone close to you issues and vote. Contact your local county registrar is living with HIV/AIDS, or you who can help you register to vote or if you have access to the Internet, the California Secretary of State home work in a community-based page (http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm) agency that provides HIV provides an online voter registration information. services, you have valuable information that elected officials and policy makers need to do their jobs. Your first-hand experience is important feedback for officials who rarely get the chance to visit programs themselves. For this reason, communicating with your elected officials about what you think is important for people living with HIV/AIDS or those at risk for HIV infection benefits them and you.

There are numerous opportunities for advocates to engage policy makers as Who Represents You? they work to pass legislation and make funding decisions. To be effective in Find out who represents you on your county your advocacy efforts, it is important to Board of Supervisors, in Congress or the State understand how lawmakers work. For Legislature, by calling your county elections office (often referred to as the Registrar of example, the legislative rules and Voters). Just give them your home address, budgetary process that Congress follows and they will be able to tell you. Some local are different from those followed by the phone books also have a listing of local State Legislature. While local, state and elected officials. If you have Internet access, federal legislative and budgetary rules the California Secretary of State web page vary, each level of government uses (http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm) formal structures and processes with allows you to enter your zip code and receive agreed upon timetables and deadlines. a list of state and federal elected officials who Understanding “the rules of the represent you. legislative game” is a valuable part of successful grassroots advocacy. For a more comprehensive overview of state and federal legislative and budgetary processes, see Appendix A.

Taking Our Issues to City Hall, Sacramento or Washington, D.C.

One of the leaders in non-profit advocacy, the Advocacy Institute, summed things up perfectly in stating that the key to effective lobbying in the public interest is maintaining the right combination of optimism -- the belief that you can make a difference in policy and legislative issues you care about -- and hard-headed realism. If nothing else, the history of HIV activism in the That you can’t fight City United States demonstrates that anything worth getting has Hall is a rumor being to be fought for. circulated by City Hall. - Audre Lorde As a member of HAN or other grassroots advocacy networks, you will gain access to decision-makers and will be provided information about which policy issues are currently under debate. Using your own experience as the basis from which to speak with authority, you can be one of the most persuasive messengers. See Appendix B for information about non-profit organizations’ ability to lobby.

Communicating with Your Elected Officials

At first, everyone is nervous about contacting his or her elected officials. But experienced advocates will tell you that it gets easier with practice. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can communicate with your representatives. Choose the one you feel most comfortable with, knowing that even the shortest letter or the briefest email -- when it comes from a constituent -- speaks volumes to an elected official.

In fact, most elected officials keep careful track of how many letters, emails or calls they receive on an issue as a way of gauging constituents’ opinions. The fact that most constituents don’t Two Rules for Influencing Public Policy take the time to communicate with 1. Elected and appointed officials make different decisions them means that when watched by the affected constituency. when you do, it’s that 2. Get the right information to the right person at the right time. much more powerful. Your letter may Judy Meridith and Cathy Dunham, Real Clout: A How-to Manual for Community Activists. actually represent dozens, hundreds or even thousands of constituents who didn’t bother to write. Though you may think of yourself as a single voice, when you take action, you amplify your voice, and in the process, create change. Writing a Letter

A personal letter from a constituent is a very powerful advocacy tool. In general, an effective letter is only one page, or maybe two pages, long. Start and end your letter by stating why you are writing and what it is you would like your representative to do. This is often referred to as “the ask.”

The tone of your letter should always be professional and courteous, even when you disagree with a member’s 5 Key Elements of position, or are expressing disappointment about an Effective Communication action they took. Always address your legislator correctly, for example: Assembly Member Gomez or 1. Identify the issue. Representative Satcher. Envelopes should be addressed 2. Cite a personal connection or describe to: “The Honorable Gail Williams, U.S. Senate.” its local impact. 3. Use key facts to support If HAN has sent you a sample letter, personalize it by your case. adding information about how the issue affects you, your 4. Make a specific “ask.” community or program. If time permits, mail your letter. 5. Say thank you and Otherwise, fax it. (See sample letters on pages 12-15.) request follow-up.

Sending an Email

Email is a quick, inexpensive way of communicating with legislators, but it is often not considered as effective as personal letters. Virtually all elected officials now have email addresses for use by constituents. If you’re from Northern California, you can use HAN’s email directory to link directly to your member’s office. The directory can be found at www.sfaf.org/policy/legisdir.html. Remember, email messages are generally shorter than letters, so the message should be concise and, as always, polite.

Calling Your Elected Officials

Calling your legislators is very effective, particularly in the days just before they are scheduled to take action or vote on your issue. To prepare for the conversation, jot down a few notes containing the key points you want to make, and refer to the notes during your call. Although it is generally most effective for you to call a member in their capitol office, which is where most of their staff is located, you may also call their district office to avoid a toll charge.

Unless you know the elected official, you will almost always speak with a staff person, and not the member directly. Do not feel as though you have been put off. In fact, when calling, ask to speak to the legislative aide who handles health or HIV/AIDS issues. This person serves as the eyes and ears of the member and is the person the member relies upon to learn how an issue affects their district. Over time, as you develop relationships with key staff members, you will come to be seen as an authoritative and valuable information resource. Hopefully, the next time an important HIV-related issue is being considered, that staff person will turn to you for your opinion, and will convey your views to the member directly.

Providing Public Testimony

At some point during the process of considering a bill -- including the annual state budget or Federal appropriations bills -- the Legislature or Congress gives members of the public an opportunity to comment on what is being proposed. This usually takes place during a committee meeting or hearing, and is referred to as “public comment” or “public testimony.”

If you decide that you would like to provide public testimony on an issue, you should first find out the specific protocol followed by the legislative body. Sometimes, members of the public can simply come to a committee hearing or meeting, sign up at the door, and testify when their name is called. Usually, however, you must make arrangements to testify in advance with the committee staff. A sample of public testimony is provided on page 16.

Some Do’s and Don’ts in Providing Public Testimony

Do: § Contact a sympathetic member of the committee or their staff ahead of time to make sure you are on the agenda and that your comments are appropriate for the hearing. § Dress professionally so that your remarks are not overshadowed by your appearance. § Prepare your remarks ahead of time, and if possible, bring copies for distribution. § Start by introducing yourself, where you are from and the reason you are speaking (what you are asking the members to do). Speak slowly and clearly. § Use your personal story and expertise to make your case. § Be brief. Find out what the time limit is for your remarks and stick to it. § End your remarks by saying thank you.

Don’t: § Behave rudely, or unprofessionally. It will reflect poorly on you and your issue. § Repeat arguments that have already been made. Simply say that you agree with others that have testified before, then focus your time on new arguments or your personal story. § Make personal remarks about those testifying on the opposing side of your issue. § Insist on finishing your testimony if you have run out of time. Distribute copies instead. Meeting with Elected Officials and Their Staff

Having a personal meeting with legislators and their staff -- either by yourself, or as part of a small group -- is one of the most effective advocacy tools, because it allows you to put a face to your issue. Arranging an appointment is usually as simple as calling, though you may be asked to make your request in writing and you may need to wait a few weeks. If you plan to be in Sacramento or Washington, D.C., call ahead. Legislative staff Your representatives’ offices will usually try to accommodate your serve as the eyes schedule and are generally eager to meet with you. It is often easier and ears of the to secure a meeting with a legislator if you have multiple members and are participants as this minimizes the number of meetings the the ones elected legislator has to hold on an issue. officials rely upon to learn how an issue affects their Before your meeting begins, take a few minutes to prepare what district. you want to say. If you are meeting as part of a group, make sure to identify a leader to begin the meeting. Always start by introducing yourself and thanking the person for their time (provide a business card, if available). Then, explain why you are there and what it is you want them to do (e.g. sponsor a bill, send a letter, vote for more funding).

Remember, you’ve requested the meeting, so it’s up to you to keep to the agenda, despite distractions. In order to make sure that all of your key points are made during the limited time you have, it is extremely important that all meeting participants stay “on message”! For example, if the meeting is about funding for AIDS housing, make sure your comments relate to that issue, and not about funding for case management, or about a problem your agency may be having that is unrelated to housing.

Always try to bring written information to your meeting to leave with the member or staff person. Ideally, you will have prepared or received a one- or two-page fact sheet. A good fact sheet: (1) describes the problem or issue you are trying to address using facts or data to support your claim; (2) describes your proposed solution and the top three or four arguments in favor of your position; (3) responds directly or indirectly to the main arguments against your proposed action; and (4) lists key supporters or coalition partners, including information about who to contact for additional information. If a fact sheet is not available, CAUTION: bring copies of favorable news stories or letters of If a legislator or staff member support. The importance of bringing paper to your asks you a question you don’t meeting is twofold: you’ve left something that the staff know the answer to, be honest member can refer to when you are gone, and you and tell them you don’t know. yourself have something to refer to in your meeting. A Tell them you will get the sample fact sheet is provided on page 20. information and contact them within the next few days. Your credibility is essential to your Before ending your meeting be sure to make your success as an advocate. request. Ask the member to commit to voting for or against a bill, to introduce legislation, or to in some other way take a leadership role on your issue. Whether or not you receive a commitment, remember to follow-up by phone or in a letter as the issue or legislation continues to make its way through the process. Always end the meeting with a thank you – if not for their support, for taking the time to meet with you and hear your views.

The next section describes some of the most common meeting scenarios you might encounter and will help you prepare for legislative visits.

Potential Legislative Meeting Scenarios

The legislator or staff member listens to what you have Meeting Scenario #1: to say, and may ask a few questions, but for the most part does not give a clear indication of where he or she Polite, Non-Committal stands on the issue and does not commit to taking any particular action.

What should you do?

This is the most common type of legislative meeting. Perhaps the member is still undecided, or maybe the staff person is new, or has not yet spoken to the member about the issue. This lack of commitment is not necessarily a bad sign, nor does it mean that your meeting was unproductive. In such situations, you should:

§ Ask if there are questions you can answer or if there is additional information you can provide that will help the member determine their position on the issue. § Try to get a sense of any specific concerns or issues she or he may have so that you can respond to those concerns directly. § Ask if the member has been contacted by others who support or oppose the issue; that way, you learn who your opponents are and whether they are actively organizing against you. § If the staff person is new to their job, consider this meeting your first opportunity to establish your reputation as an expert resource on HIV/AIDS issues. Remember, information about how an issue affects people in the district is very valuable to staff. § Tell the staff person that you will follow up in the near future to find out the member’s position. If you make such a commitment, be sure to follow through – it’s important to show that you care enough to monitor the progress of an issue.

Either before the meeting is arranged, or during the Meeting Scenario #2: meeting itself, you learn that the member strongly supports your position. In fact, although you’ve come “I agree completely.” to your meeting with prepared remarks and supporting handouts, you quickly learn that it’s not needed. What should you do?

Don’t think that because the member is supportive, you do not need to meet with them. Supportive legislators and staff are very important sources of information about how other members view your issue and about who else is lobbying for or against you. In such situations, you should:

§ Be respectful of their time and recognize that you do not need to “preach to the choir”. Instead, begin by thanking them for their support. § Ask them what they are hearing about your issue in the capitol (particularly from other members in your area). This intelligence is very helpful to the lobbyists who will be working on your issue in Sacramento or Washington, D.C. on a day-to-day basis. § Ask them what else they think should be done to broaden support for your issue.

In many cases, members who disagree with you will Meeting Scenario #3: remain non-committal for as long as possible, but in some cases, they will tell you directly that they are “I disagree with your opposed. Knowing that they disagree with you may position.” make the conversation a bit more difficult, but it does not mean that the meeting is over.

What should you do?

In general, even when a member does not support your view, he or she will hear you out and will express their opposition politely. Remember, as a constituent, it is your right to express your views. In addition, although the member may oppose you on one issue, he may be supportive on others. Think of this as a long-term relationship. In this situation, you should:

§ Listen to their comments or ask questions to determine why exactly they are opposed to the issue. § Respond to their concerns respectfully, using supporting facts and data, if possible. § Ask if the member will at least agree to stay “neutral,” rather than opposing the issue. § Ask if there is specific information that would lead the member to change his or her position (such as additional information about how the issue affects constituents in the district), or possible amendments that would address his concerns. § If you find yourself in a meeting where the staff person becomes hostile, remain professional. Answer any questions they may have, but try to end the meeting as quickly as possible.

In each of these meeting scenarios, you have learned important information about where the member stands on the issue and which arguments (pro or con) are most compelling. This information is critically important to the full-time AIDS advocates working in Sacramento or Washington, D.C. If you were asked to complete an evaluation form as part of a lobby day, please complete it with as much detail about the conversation as you can recall and return it as soon as possible. Even if your legislative visit was not part of a Lobby Day event, please make every effort to let advocates who are working on the same issues know about the outcome of your visits.

WHERE TO GO TO BE ‘IN THE KNOW’ ABOUT FEDERAL AND STATE POLICY, LEGISLATION AND POLITICS

U.S. Capitol Switchboard: Call (202) 224-3121 and an operator will connect you directly to your member of Congress’ office in Washington.

Federal Government: THOMAS provides legislative information and links to websites for Members of Congress at www.thomas.loc.gov. For links to all federal government agencies and programs, including the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), go to www.firstgov.gov.

State Government: Almost everything you need to know about state government can be found on these four websites, including links to the State Office of AIDS and all other state agencies: www.assembly.ca.gov, www.senate.ca.gov, www.governor.ca.gov, and www.leginfo.ca.gov. On leginfo.ca.gov you can subscribe to a free email service that notifies you when action has occurred on state legislation you are following. The new www.ca.gov also has links to all of the above sites. Sample Letter to Elected Official #1

April 13, 1999

The Honorable Ray Haynes California State Senate State Capitol, Room 2187 Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: SB 1029 – OPPOSE

Dear Senator Haynes:

I am writing to inform you that the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is strongly opposed to SB 1029, which would implement a system of HIV reporting in California that would require individ uals testing positive for HIV to be reported by name to health officials. Instituting such a system would deter many from seeking HIV testing and would put both individuals and the public health at risk.

Many studies have demonstrated that name reporting systems deter individuals from testing, especially those who are at high risk for HIV infection, such as gay and bisexual men and injection drug users. Studies also show that people of color, in particular African Americans and Latinos, are likely to delay or avoid testing when name reporting policies are in place. In general, deterrence from HIV testing when name reporting is in place is largely due to individuals’ well-founded fears of HIV-related discrimination. Many health officials and organizations acknowledge that such deterrence is problematic because it may create a barrier to early testing and treatment for many people. Given the effectiveness of the treatment options now available for people living with HIV, it is more important than ever that such barriers be eliminated.

Furthermore, although an HIV reporting system is one important means of collecting epidemiological information, having the names of people who seek HIV tests is not necessary to improve our state’s ability to gather such data. A system in which individuals are reported with a unique code number, instead of with their name, would provide these data without the negative public health consequences of name reporting. In fact, the effectiveness of such a system is evidenced by the State of Maryland’s experience. Maryland has had a successful “unique identifier” (i.e., coded) system in place since 1993 and several other states—including Massachusetts, Illinois, Hawaii, and Vermont—are also moving toward implementation of such systems.

SB 1029 is also problematic in that it links HIV reporting by name to partner notification. Although the Foundation strongly supports voluntary partner notification programs, name based reporting is not necessary to achieve these ends. Currently, California provides partner services for people with HIV without a name reporting system. The name of the “index case” is not needed in order to elicit the names of an individual’s partners. In fact, partner notification programs can be more effectively implemented without names because people may be more willing to provide their partners’ names if they can trust that public health officials will be unable Senator Haynes August 13, 1999 Page 2 to violate their confidentiality. Furthermore, the issue of notifying partners becomes moot if people are unwilling to be tested. Names should not be the issue; increased funding and support for voluntary partner services should be the priority.

Supporters of SB 1029 contend that name reporting will improve our ability to notify sex and needle-sharing partners of their potential exposure and will also provide better linkage to HIV care. However, we are not aware of any data documenting such claims. In fact, recent research demonstrates that name-based systems are no better at facilitating partner notification and service referral than are non-name based systems. Studies also show no evidence that name reporting of individuals helps them gain access to care. In particular, an unpublished study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco in various states with different HIV reporting policies found the following:

· In states with names reporting, health department contact did not result in earlier use of HIV care after a person tested positive for HIV; in fact, individuals who were not contacted by the health department sought care over two months sooner than those who were contacted; · In both name reporting and non-name reporting states, the numbers of sex and needle sharing partners that an individual testing HIV-positive identified to health department staff did not differ between those testing in confidential sites (in which the individual’s name is known) and those testing in anonymous sites.

We believe these results demonstrate that HIV name reporting does not provide the level of benefits contended by supporters of SB 1029 and that the risk of harm of name reporting greatly outweighs the potential benefits. In addition, the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has acknowledged that name reporting does not necessarily improve the provision of care and prevention programs (including partner notification). Furthermore, HIV name reporting in no way guarantees access to care because adequate funding for HIV care services is not in place at this time. Thus, instead of focusing on name reporting as a step toward treatment, we believe the real need is for additional funding.

For these critical reasons, we strongly oppose SB 1029. California has been greatly affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and it is very important that policies not be enacted which might deter individuals from seeking HIV testing and treatment. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this issue further.

Sincerely,

Fred Dillon State Policy Director cc: The Honorable Adam Schiff, Chair, Senate Judiciary Committee Members, Senate Judiciary Committee Sample Letter to Elected Official #2

August 30, 2000

The Honorable Dianne Feinstein U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Feinstein:

We are writing to urge you to support a tax credit for companies engaging in research and development for preventative vaccines and microbicides for diseases that cause over 1 million deaths annually (specifically HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis). This credit was originally introduced as part of the Vaccines for the New Millennium Act (S. 2132 by Senators John Kerry and Bill Frist and H.R. 3812 by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi). Language related to this tax credit is likely to be introduced as a separate bill or incorporated into another piece of legislation in the near future.

As representatives of national and international advocacy organizations and AIDS service providers throughout the country, we support governmental efforts to speed the development of preventative vaccines for HIV and other deadly diseases.

The goal of this tax credit is to spur greater investment in vital vaccine and microbicide research by private industry. Specifically, it would provide a tax credit for qualified research and development costs for much needed vaccines and microbicides.

The current HIV/AIDS pandemic has reached alarming proportions worldwide – particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. As cited during the recent International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, 34.3 million people in the world are living with HIV/AIDS, and of these 24.5 million are in sub-Saharan Africa. In 1999, 2.8 million people died of AIDS, 85 percent of them in Africa. More than 12 million children in sub-Saharan Africa have lost either their mother or both parents to the epidemic, and life expectancy in many countries is declining sharply.

Current HIV prevention and treatment strategies are critical to fighting AIDS, but even our best efforts in these areas will not be sufficient to stop its mounting devastation. A vaccine remains our best hope to end the HIV pandemic, as well as the other global killers – malaria and tuberculosis.

The unabated spread of HIV has social, economic, and national security consequences, not only for developing countries, but also for the United States. HIV is the fifth leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. Among African American men and women in this age group, it is the leading cause of death. It is estimated that at least half of all new HIV infections in the United States are among people under 25 years old. Senator Feinstein August 30, 2000 Page 2

While the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and others have made considerable commitments and progress in their efforts to develop vaccines, private industry has unique and important resources and abilities to bring to this effort. Additional public funds for basic research are critical in the effort to find vaccines, but equally important is a concerted effort by private sector pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. A tax credit incentive for research is essential in ensuring expedited vaccine development. We strongly urge you to support this effort.

Thank you for your consideration. If you have questions or need additional information about this critical issue, please contact the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition at 202-387- 5517.

Sincerely,

AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts AIDS Action Council AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families AIDS Foundation of Chicago AIDS Project Los Angeles AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition Alliance for Microbicide Development American Public Health Association American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Center for Health and Gender Equity Family Health International Florida AIDS Action Gay and Lesbian Medical Association Gay Men’s Health Crisis Global AIDS Action Network Global Campaign for STI/HIV Prevention Alternatives for Women Global Health Council Global Network of People Living With HIV/AIDS Human Rights Campaign International AIDS Vaccine Initiative LLEGÓ, The National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Organization Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center National Association of People With AIDS National Association of State and Territorial AIDS Directors Northwest AIDS Foundation San Francisco AIDS Foundation Whitman-Walker Clinic Sample Public Testimony

Testimony of Ernest Hopkins, SFAF Director of Federal Affairs Before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education* April 20, 1999

Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee. My name is Ernest Hopkins and I am the Director of Federal Affairs for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (AIDS Foundation). I come before you today to request the Committee’s support for important increases in Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 funding for Federal HIV/AIDS-related programs administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The AIDS Foundation provides direct services to approximately 3,000 persons living with AIDS or disabling HIV disease, and reaches another 110,000 through our prevention campaigns, treatment publications, toll free information hotline, public policy and community outreach efforts.

The Foundation’s clients reflect the fact that, increasingly, the HIV epidemic is affecting disenfranchised individuals with multiple problems in addition to HIV disease, including homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues. Forty-seven percent of our clients are people of color, 84% are male and the majority of clients have monthly incomes under $750. Fifty-eight percent of the Foundation’s clients are gay and bisexual men; however, over time we are serving an increasing number of heterosexuals.

In October 1998, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 47% decline in AIDS-related deaths between 1996 and 1997, and a corresponding 12% increase in the number of people living with AIDS. During this same period, new HIV infections have remained steady at about 40,000 per year. As a result, local communities such as San Francisco will continue to experience steadily increasing demand for HIV- related medical and supportive services. Fully 800 of the approximately 3,000 people the Foundation will serve this year are new to the agency.

The Federal response to AIDS has literally prevented the collapse of local public health systems, and has enabled hundreds of thousands of low-income, uninsured individuals living with HIV/AIDS to receive high-quality health care and supportive services. These Federal resources have also helped to leverage millions of dollars in state, local and private funding for HIV/AIDS programs.

The AIDS Foundation fully supports the FY 2000 HIV/AIDS appropriations recommendations of the National Organizations Responding to AIDS (NORA). In my testimony today, I would like to highlight several programs and initiatives that play a particularly important role in the City and County of San Francisco’s response to HIV. Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act Programs

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation requests that the Committee provides $625.2 million overall, or a $120 million increase for Title I of the Ryan White CARE Act in FY 2000. This funding for Title I is required to maintain access to medical care, treatment and supportive services for those individuals already in care, and to ensure access to care for those who will enter care for the first time.

A 1998 study by the Cities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief (CAEAR) Coalition reported an average increase of 43.5 percent in the number of new HIV/AIDS clients entering CARE- funded systems between 1995 and 1997. In FY 2000, the number of new clients seeking care is expected to increase by 20 percent. This study also demonstrated that the overall cost of care grew substantially during the same time period. This increase in the cost of care is related to three factors: 1.) increases in the number, length and complexity of medical visits (65 percent increase in length of each visit and a 27 percent increase in the number of visits); 2.) new and expensive viral laboratory tests, and; 3.) the use of pharmaceuticals not covered by the state ADAP programs.

The fifty-one Eligible Metropolitan Areas (EMAs) funded through Title I of the CARE Act are home to 74 percent of all reported AIDS cases in the United States. Together, an estimated 156,000 people with HIV/AIDS will be served in these epicenters in FY 2000.

As the second decade of the epidemic comes to a close, it is clear that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is far from over. It is also apparent that HIV medical care and treatment will continue to be complex, expensive (albeit less expensive than inpatient hospital-based care), and unavailable or unworkable for some. Despite the promise of new drugs, there continues to be a significant number of individuals who cannot tolerate their side effects, or whose bodies have become resistant to the treatments. These individuals, as well as those struggling to continue their treatment, will need essential support services.

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), approximately 64 percent of Title I clients nationally are people of color. Despite aggressive outreach to disenfranchised communities, medical care and anti-HIV treatment utilization by communities of color continue to lag. These continued disparities translate into poorer health outcomes, including slower reductions in AIDS-related deaths. For this reason, in addition to our request for an overall increase in support for Title I, the AIDS Foundation requests that the Committee increase funding for the Title I-specific appropriation that was approved as part of the FY 1999 Congressional Black Caucus HIV/AIDS Initiative. A significant increase in this funding would allow Title I communities to protect and expand targeted programs in the African American community and other communities of color that are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)

The AIDS Foundation requests that the Committee provides $544 million overall, or an $83 million increase for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) in FY 2000. This funding level is necessary to provide ongoing services to the 53,765 clients who utilized ADAPs in June of 1998 and to extend access to the estimated 500-600 new clients that will enter the program monthly in FY 2000. The National ADAP Monitoring Project reports that, compared to July 1997, in June 1998, ADAP programs served 22 percent more clients and the cost of treatment had grown by 37 percent due to increases in the cost per client, the number of clients served, and the increasing costs of combination anti-HIV drug therapies. ADAP spending for anti-HIV drugs grew by 54 percent between July 1997 and June 1998.

I want to thank the Committee for its considerable support of ADAP in recent years. Since 1996, Congress has responded to the critical pharmaceutical needs of people living with HIV disease through significant increases in funding. Yet, despite these efforts, many states continue to face shortfalls and must restrict the number of drugs covered because of insufficient resources.

In California, Federal support for AIDS-related drugs last year leveraged an additional $51.6 million in state funding in FY 1998, allowing adequate access to ADAP for all eligible Californians living with HIV/AIDS.

The anti-HIV medications used in combination to create Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), while not a cure, will continue to offer opportunities for improved health to many individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Additional resources would also improve access to AIDS- related medications for African Americans and women living with HIV/AIDS who continue to have lower utilization rates. For all of these important reasons, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation urges Committee support for this request.

Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) HIV/AIDS Initiative

The AIDS Foundation requests that the Committee provide a minimum of $171 million for targeted emergency assistance to address the severe and ongoing health crisis related to HIV/AIDS in the African American community and other communities of color. I want to thank Chairman Porter, Congresswoman Pelosi and other members of the Committee, including your former colleague Congressman Louis Stokes, as well as members of the Congressional Black Caucus, for approving targeted resources in FY 1999 to respond to this growing health emergency. Our hope is that the impact of these targeted efforts will become evident in all HHS agencies that provide HIV services.

The majority of people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. are people of color. Communities of color often face additional health care and social service challenges. Therefore, targeted initiatives, which focus resources on emerging crises, may provide the most strategic Federal response to address these intractable and longstanding problems. The CARE Act continues to provide an effective response to the fragmentation that exists in the U.S. health care system overall. Although the CARE Act cannot and should not be expected to eliminate longstanding health disparities that exist between groups, CARE Act grantees, providers and clients can and should act as agents for change. Targeted CBC funding will help them do so. The AIDS Foundation is committed to working with Congress and the Administration to reduce racial disparities and improve access to care.

HIV Prevention Programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation requests that the Committee provide $848 million in total funding for HIV prevention education, surveillance, and behavioral research at the CDC. This $191 million increase over FY 1999 levels would provide increased resources to reduce the 40,000 new HIV infections that occur annually in the U.S. Over 85 percent of the HIV prevention funds are allocated to state and local health departments, national and regional minority organizations and community-based organizations to provide both primary and secondary HIV prevention services.

I also want to urge the Committee to support funding for qualitative research to inform the design of effective HIV prevention programs. The AIDS Foundation recently conducted such research in an effort to better understand the complex processes involved in individuals’ decisions whether or not to engage in safer sex practices. We are now using this research to design and evaluate two innovative prevention programs targeting gay and bisexual men in San Francisco, one of which is the Black Brothers Esteem program for African American men. In an era of increasingly complex prevention issues, we firmly believe that the CDC must invest more in qualitative research so that local communities can develop more effective HIV prevention strategies.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Of those diagnosed with AIDS to date, drug use is linked to more than 30 percent of adult cases, 60 percent of cases among women and 53 percent of pediatric cases. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation requests that the Committee provide $255 million to the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and $255 million for the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP).

In closing, I also want to urge the Committee to support increased funding for HIV/AIDS research at the National Institutes of Health, as well as $1.7 million in funding for the Office of HIV/AIDS Policy (OHAP) at HHS. OHAP will continue to play a key role in the development of policies and priorities regarding HIV/AIDS, including the ongoing review of Clinical Guidelines on the Management of HIV Infection.

Thank you for this opportunity to testify before the Committee. We know that you share the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s mission to end the pandemic and the human suffering caused by HIV.

* Please note: the oral presentation of this testimony was shortened significantly in order to remain within the 3-5 minute timeframe. Sample Fact Sheet

Support AB 1292 (Aroner) – Ensure Access to Sterile Syringes

AB 1292 would repeal prescription requirements for the purchase of syringes and amend paraphernalia laws to exclude syringes as a disease-prevention measure.

Facts about injection drug use and the transmission of blood-borne diseases:

· Injection drug users (IDUs) become infected and transmit viruses to others by sharing blood-contaminated syringes or engaging in unprotected sex.

· Injection drug use is the second largest risk factor for HIV infection in California, accounting for 19% of cumulative reported AIDS cases through December 31, 2000. The share of new California AIDS cases related to injection drug use is on the rise: between December 1999 and December 2000, 25% of reported AIDS cases were among injection drug users.1

· The link between injection drug use and HIV transmission is particularly strong for women and people of color. In California, 37.3% of cumulative AIDS cases reported among women, 24.3% of cases reported among African-American men and women and 22.4% of cases among Latinas are related to injection drug use.2

Increasing access to sterile syringes is good public health policy:

· The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that IDUs use a new, sterile syringe for each injection in order to protect themselves and others from HIV and other potentially fatal infections.3

· Legislation to permit the pharmacy-based sale of sterile syringes without a prescription would reduce new cases of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other blood-borne infections among IDUs and could potentially save the State government millions of dollars in medical costs by preventing costly infections among indigent IDUs.

· Improved access to syringes has been shown to reduce the incidence of syringe sharing. However, it does not increase crime or illegal drug use and it does not encourage drug users to begin injecting.

· Decriminalizing the possession of syringes will reduce the risk of needle-stick injuries suffered by peace officers during searches of individuals, residences, and automobiles because the drug user would no longer have an incentive to conceal a syringe.

AB 1292 would:

1. Repeal prescription and record-keeping requirements for the furnishing, including retail sale, of syringes. 2. Require that: · only State Board of Pharmacy licensees shall furnish syringes; · syringes be sold at retail only in licensed pharmacies; · syringes for sale be stored in accordance with pharmacy law; · pharmacists provide to each purchaser at the time of purchase information; regarding the safe disposal of hypodermic syringes or needles.

3. Allow participating pharmacies to provide: · information about drug addiction, including the availability of local treatment services; · information on the transmission of blood-borne disease, including information about HIV and Hepatitis C prevention, testing, and treatment; · on-site safe syringe disposal programs.

4. Amend drug paraphernalia laws to remove criminal liability for syringe possession.

AB 1292 would not:

1. Make participation in non-prescription retail sales mandatory for pharmacies 2. Allow anyone not currently licensed to furnish syringes to do so

Syringe Deregulation is a National Trend: Forty-five states do not require a prescription for purchasing a syringe. Only five states – California, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New Jersey - still do. Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin have deregulated the sale or possession of at least some number of syringes in an effort to eliminate regulatory deterrents to safe injection behavior.4

For more information, contact the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (415-487-3080) or the Lindesmith Center - Drug Policy Foundation, Sacramento Office (916-451-4485).

______1 California State Office of AIDS, "HIV-AIDS Reporting System Surveillance Report for California," December 31, 1999 and December 31, 2000. (Note: These figures include heterosexual IDUs and men who have sex with men who are also IDUs.) A copy of this report is available on the CA State Office of AIDS website at: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/aids/. 2 California Department of Health Services, State Office of AIDS, "HIV/AIDS Among Racial/Ethnic Groups in California, 1999 Edition," California Department of Health Services, April 2000. A copy of this report is available on the CA State Office of AIDS website at: http://www.dhs.ca.gov/aids/. 3 U.S. Department of Public Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. HIV Prevention Bulletin: Medical advice for persons who inject illicit drugs. www.cdc.gov/nchstp/hiv_aids/pubs/hiv_prev.pdf (also available in text format: www.cdc.gov/nchstp/hiv_aids/pubs/hiv_prev.txt) 4 Deregulation of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes as a Public Health Measure: A Report on Emerging Policy and Law in the United States, Scott Burris, ed. (2000) AIDS Coordinating Committee of the American Bar Association. Copies of this report may be obtained by contacting: ABA AIDS Coordination Project, 740 15th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, Tel: (202) 662-1030, Fax: (202) 662-1031. Section III MANY VOICES CREATE A MOVEMENT

Building and Mobilizing Networks and Coalitions

If one voice can make a difference, many voices together can create lasting and meaningful change in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. The need to work in coalition is essential on an issue such as HIV/AIDS, which affects many different communities, constituencies and organizations. By working together to change policies or influence how money is spent, HIV/AIDS advocates can achieve goals that would be much more difficult to attain independently, and can counter powerful opponents and entrenched interests in the process. Coalitions are As a member of HAN, you are already part of a comprised of successful grassroots network with a proven track record individuals, groups, of working in coalition with other public health and/or organizations advocates. Since HAN’s creation in 1991, its members with diverse expertise have been instrumental in a number of very important and a shared stake in the resolution of an legislative victories for people living with HIV/AIDS in issue or problem. California and the nation, including reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act, increased federal and state funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, care, research and housing services, and the defeat of harmful policies and legislation, such as mandatory testing and name-based HIV reporting.

HIV/AIDS Advocacy Coalitions SFAF is a member of several state and CAEAR Coalition national coalitions that have come together www.caear.org around shared values and goals. Examples include: the CAEAR Coalition (Cities National AIDS Housing Coalition Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief), which www.aidshousing.org (select “advocacy”) works on funding and program issues related HIV Advocacy Network to Titles I and III of the CARE Act; the www.sfaf.org/policy National AIDS Housing Coalition, which National Association of People with AIDS advocates increased federal funding for www.napwa.org HIV/AIDS housing; the National Organizations Responding to AIDS National Minority AIDS Council (NORA) International Issues Working www.nmac.org Group, which monitors U.S. efforts to fight AIDS Action Council the global pandemic; the California HIV www.aidsaction.org Advocacy Coalition (CHAC), which works on state HIV legislative and budget issues; and the California HIV Surveillance Coalition, which monitors California’s implementation of a non-name based HIV reporting system.

Working Toward a Shared Goal

By mobilizing grassroots advocates around key issues and goals, coalitions (also called alliances or networks) can significantly increase the visibility of an issue. Successful coalitions are those that harness the diversity of their A major benefit of membership -- including their members’ political and working in coalition personal backgrounds, level of advocacy experience, skills is the ability to share and geographic location. A major benefit of working in responsibilities and coalition is the ability to share responsibilities and maximize maximize the use of the use of limited resources. limited resources. It is important to keep in mind that coalitions cannot address all issues and should be used as part of a larger strategic advocacy effort. At times, coalitions can be time-intensive, difficult to manage and hard to nurture. But when effective, they can play a pivotal role in advancing a community agenda.

Tips for Building a Strong and Successful Coalition

The following tips are designed to assist local advocates in expanding political support for an issue by forming and working with coalitions.

ü Do your homework: Before investing time and energy working to build a new coalition, do your research to see if one already exists. Starting a new coalition where one currently exists can be viewed as an attempt to preempt or replace existing efforts. Talking with fellow advocates and interested organizations can save time and aggravation. What you learn from these conversations will help you decide if starting a new coalition will advance your issue, or if it would inadvertently set it back. If none exists, contact key members of your community to gauge their interest in helping start and sustain a coalition effort and then expand membership from there.

ü Get the word out about your coalition efforts: Planning council or consortia meetings, street outreach and one-on-one meetings are all important opportunities to educate others and build your coalition’s membership. Distribute information via email list serves, mailings, newsletters and by posting flyers. Don’t forget to notify your community paper about your coalition’s meeting times. ü Develop a solid action/work plan: Set clear goals and objectives, and assign responsibility for completing key tasks from the start. Revise your work plan, as necessary, to advance the strategic interests and goals of the coalition. Potential members must understand exactly what the coalition will work to achieve and should have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities as members.

ü Build on community efforts: Any effort to mobilize action should build upon work currently being done in the community. Partner with other advocates and community leaders who have a shared interest and demonstrated commitment to your issue.

ü Create a structure that works: Coalitions’ organizational structures and operating principles are as diverse as the issues they are created to address. They can be structured loosely or formally. They can be local, regional, statewide, national or international in scope, and can operate on a regular basis or only when needed. Coalitions are living entities that evolve and change over time.

ü Enlist trusted leadership: Leaders of coalitions serve to help facilitate decision- making by the group, mobilize participation and oversee group dynamics. Using leaders from within a community who are viewed as credible is essential.

ü Build strategic community partnerships: The membership of your coalition communicates important messages to other advocates and policy makers. Most coalition members represent organizations; however, some also may include individuals. Enlisting the support of well-respected community leaders, elected officials and candidates for public office can add credibility and visibility to coalition efforts, as can untraditional allies such as business and industry leaders.

ü Sell your issue: Position papers, talking points, and fact sheets are all important tools that sell your issue. They also serve to keep coalition members focused on a common message when dealing with the media, policy makers and other third parties. Use facts and personal stories that reinforce your strategic message.

ü Manage conflict successfully: Within any group, conflicts will arise. The success of coalitions depends in large part on the ability of coalition members to commit time and resources towards a shared goal and to put personal or competing agendas aside. Developing operating principles that establish how a group will make decisions and how it will handle conflict is best done before a conflict actually arises. ü Recognize the value of different resource contributions: The work of coalitions requires resources, and it is important to remember that individuals and groups bring different resources to a coalition effort. It is important to allow different levels of involvement and show appreciation for all contributions and work done well.

ü Agree about who will be the spokespeople for the coalition: Selecting the right person to represent your issue and assuring that they are trained helps to avoid multiple messages and confusion about who speaks for the group.

Tools for Mobilizing Networks and Coalitions

Grassroots advocacy networks and coalitions must do more than share resources, strategy and decision-making. They must mobilize their members to act in strategic ways that advance the goals of the coalition. Consider the following tools for your coalition: v Lobby days bring constituents to City Hall, Sacramento or Washington, D.C. to meet with key decision makers. Efforts such as AIDSWatch help call attention to an issue, and when Community forums and used in conjunction with a rally or demonstration, can hearings are an generate important media coverage of your issue. opportunity to mobilize coalition v District legislative meetings help establish a local partners and connection to your issue. Invite a legislator to a local interested organization that provides services to people living with members of the HIV/AIDS. During the site visit, arrange a time for community around community members to brief the legislator on the local your issue. impact of pending policy issues and ask for their support. v Community forums and hearings are an opportunity to mobilize coalition partners and interested members of the community around your issue. In addition, legislators and policy-making bodies often conduct public hearings and forums where you can advance your issue. Don’t let such opportunities pass you by – contact local elected officials and find out if and when they are hosting a community meeting or forum. Organize a group of coalition members to attend and speak. v Action Alerts provide background information on an issue, describe its current status, and request a specific action (write a letter, call, email, attend a rally, etc.). Including a sample letter or telephone script makes it easier for coalition partners and community members to take action. A sample alert is included on page 27. v Email alerts allow for inexpensive distribution of detailed information and instructions to large lists of individuals in a quick and convenient format. The ability to forward an email message also helps engage others who may not be involved directly in the issue, but would be willing to take action, if asked. v Media advocacy involves using the media to advance your strategic advocacy agenda and mobilize community stakeholders. Chapter V provides more information on using the media as an advocacy tool and includes a summary of some of the most important media tools. v Sign-on letters are used to help educate coalition members and other interested parties and to demonstrate broad support from diverse communities. They can serve as a safe and relatively simple way for individuals or organizations to participate in coalition efforts without having to spend too much time and energy. v Postcards are catchy and effective ways to educate community members and elected officials on important issues. Easy to make, sign, and distribute, their receipt en masse by elected officials can be a powerful advocacy tool. A sample postcard is on page 28. v Demonstrations, rallies, and marches can raise awareness and build momentum on an issue; however, all three require significant time and financial resources(as well as people) to be successful, so use them strategically. Choose a location, speakers, and props that reinforce your coalition’s key messages.

WHERE TO GO TO BE ‘IN THE KNOW’ ABOUT WORKING IN COALITIONS

Community Tool Box: A web resource packed with tools and information for creating change in your community. http://ctb.lsi.ukans.edu/

Real Clout: A How-to Manual for Community Activists Trying to Expand Healthcare Access by Changing Public Policy. by Judith C. Meredith and Catherine M. Dunham for The Access Project at (617/654-9911) or on the web at: www.accessproject.org. Sample Action Alert HIV Advocacy Network Urgent Action Alert August 29, 2000 Urge Governor Davis to Provide Medi-Cal Coverage to Low Income Individuals in Early Stages of HIV Disease

BACKGROUND

Federal Public Health Service guidelines recommend that all HIV-positive people seek early care for HIV infection. However, California’s Medi-Cal program, as well as virtually all other Medicaid programs in the country, limit health care coverage to those who are in late stages of HIV disease. Many low-income HIV-positive Californians therefore lack primary health care or must depend on local health care systems to provide for their care.

Recognizing the contradiction of encouraging early treatment while limiting Medicaid eligibility to those in late stages of the disease, the Federal Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has encouraged states to apply for waivers to extend Medicaid to those in earlier stages of HIV disease. Several states are preparing or considering submitting such waiver applications and Maine received approval from HCFA earlier this year for its program to expand Medicaid to people in early stages of HIV disease.

The California Department of Health Services (DHS) has worked with economic modelers and community groups to assess the costs and benefits of such a program. Based on this initial work, advocates are now strongly encouraging the state to continue this process by submitting a concept paper to HCFA that would outline the basic design of such a waiver. Governor Davis is currently considering whether to authorize DHS to proceed with submitting such a concept paper. Given changes that may occur in the Administration after the fall elections, it is critical that California move forward as quickly as possible with this process.

ACTION

Please urge Governor Davis to authorize DHS to proceed with submitting a concept paper to HCFA, which will lay the groundwork for developing a federal waiver to provide Medi-Cal coverage to low income individuals in early stages of HIV disease.

Please mail and/or fax a letter to the Governor and also send a copy to Dr. Diana Bontá, Director of the Department of Health Services. Also, please fax a copy of your letter to us at 415-487-3089 so that we may keep a record of the responses. Governor Davis’ address is State Capitol, Sacramento, California 95814 and his fax number is 916-445-4633. Dr. Bontá’s address is California Department of Health Services, P.O. Box 942732, Sacramento, CA 94234.

If you are unable to draft a letter, please call both the Governor’s office and DHS with a similar message. The Governor’s office can be reached at 916-445-2841 and the phone number for the DHS Director’s Office is 916-657-5183. Sample Post Card

Back

Dear Governor Davis:

Please support AB 518 (Mazzoni/Shelley), which would provide clear legal protection to localities that choose to implement needle exchange programs. Science shows that needle exchange programs decrease the spread of HIV without increasing drug use.

I support this important legislation and urge you to sign AB 518 into law when it reaches your desk. Needle exchange saves lives!

Sincerely,

Name: ______

Address: ______

______

Front

Postage Required

The Honorable Gray Davis Governor of California State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Section IV MAKE YOUR VOICE COUNT USING THE INTERNET

Become an Advocate in Cyberspace

The Internet has revolutionized grassroots advocacy, allowing advocates to research and share information, organize events, demonstrate and mobilize other advocates with the simple click of a mouse. While many people use the Internet daily to check their email or get the weather forecast, others have only recently begun learning about life “online.” Whether you are an expert or a relative novice, the Internet provides valuable opportunities and resources to increase your knowledge and success as a grassroots advocate.

In its simplest form, the Internet links HIV/AIDS advocates from around the country (and the world) using electronic mail (email), enabling you to expand your efforts quickly and inexpensively. In addition, all the benefits of traditional advocacy tools -- such as newsletters, Action Alerts, petitions and community meetings -- can all be conducted online using tools unique to the Internet. The Internet also helps you stay informed. You can sign up to receive daily email updates or use the World Wide Web to scan dozens of government web pages that are full of helpful HIV and health-related information.

The World Wide Web is a network of millions of Creating A Website individual websites, each of which contains You can create a personal or agency information related to a particular topic, website yourself using commercially organization or individual. There are literally available software, or you may hire a hundreds of websites that provide information designer to create something more about HIV/AIDS. Appendix C lists some of the sophisticated and polished. The first most useful. image a visitor to your website sees is referred to as a “home page.” Your home page serves as a road Internet Tools for Advocates map, identifying what information is available on your site. Whenever The next sections provide information about possible, include “hyper-links” on several web-based tools that will help you expand your website. Links enable viewers your use of the Internet’s advocacy potential. You to jump to other websites simply by may also refer to the websites listed in the box on clicking on the underlined text. page 31, which provide detailed information about virtual or online advocacy. Email Email Advocacy Tip Email is just like regular (snail) mail, except that it’s Create an Email Action Group faster, less expensive and can be delivered at any hour comprised of individuals who of the day or night. Exchanging email addresses has agree to take action on issues become as common as exchanging telephone when they receive an email alert. numbers, and in many cases it has all but replaced the Give your group a catchy name, use of long distance phone calls and faxes. You can so that people have a sense of use email to receive daily HIV/AIDS news updates, purpose. Keep them updated on check the status of pending legislation, or receive or important issues so they are distribute Action Alerts. HAN regularly sends ready when you send an alert. Always thank group members members policy updates by email, as well. A free for their involvement. email address is available through several Internet web locations (Yahoo.com and Hotmail.com just to name a few) or you can pay for expanded services through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Electronic Bulletin Boards/News Groups

Bulletin boards or news groups are websites that allow individuals to post messages online and read messages posted by others. Usually a bulletin board or news group is established for back and forth discussion on a particular topic. If you subscribe to a service like America Online (AOL), Netscape, or Earthlink, you will find news groups supported directly by these services. Even if you don't subscribe to one of these ISPs, you can begin searching for news groups at Yahoo.com -- they are SIGN UP FOR DAILY EMAIL UPDATES out there in multitudes. In addition By signing up for the following news services, you to helping you stay informed news can receive daily emails about HIV and health- groups are also a great resource for related news, research and events. To subscribe, go online organizing. You can post a to the website listed. All services are free of charge. message to share information or Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report provides a daily enlist support for your issue or summary of news coverage of national and action. international HIV/AIDS issues. http://www.kff.org/ Electronic Town Meetings

California Healthline provides daily news One of the most novel uses of the updates on California and national health policy Internet is the ability to conduct issues, including HIV/AIDS. meetings online. Meeting via the http://www.chcf.org/ computer, advocates can share CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update information, discuss strategy, includes summaries of peer-reviewed journal gather and share ideas with articles, press coverage, conferences, publications, grassroots advocates around the and funding announcements. country and make important http://www.cdcnpin.org/db/public/dnmain.htm decisions about advocacy efforts. A less formal version of the electronic town hall meeting is Search the Internet the chat room. Available at Internet search engines provide advocates with new various web sites, issue or topic- opportunities to learn more about HIV/AIDS advocacy initiatives, gather valuable information to specific chat rooms allow you to inform your advocacy efforts as well as research your share information about opposition, their arguments and advocacy plans. Here meetings, demonstrations, is a partial list of some of the most popular search legislative action, etc. with an engines on the Internet: audience that is interested in that particular subject. Organize your Yahoo.com http://www.yahoo.com/ own on-line meeting, focus group, or training by simply Excite.com http://www.excite.com/ creating a chat room on the topic or issue you want to discuss. AltaVista.com http://www.altavista.com/ Since personally created chat rooms disappear immediately NorthernLight.com http://www.northernlight.com/ after you (the originator) leave them, you will have to do a little planning at the front end. You will need to know the location of your chat room in order to post it to a news group, and to notify your email Action Group. Usually, the choice to make your chat room public (where anyone who sees the "door" can come in), or private (accessible only if you know the password) is up to you. The process is simple and relatively self-explanatory.

WHERE TO GO TO BE ‘IN THE KNOW’ ABOUT USING THE INTERNET FOR ADVOCACY

Benton Foundation: A web resource packed with information about communications technology focused on advocacy. The site includes a “best practices” guide and a “toolkit” resource to help advocates make better use of communications technology. www.benton.org NetAction: Contains a thorough online training course entitled “The Virtual Activist,” which walks you through the many ways one can use the web for outreach, training and advocacy. www.netaction.org/training SpeakOut.Com: A website for activists of all stripes. Breaking news, activism “centers” with information and petitions on current issues, online polls, and e-mails links to your elected officials. www.speakout.com PoliticalAccess: Self-described as “your bi-partisan online guide to California press, political, election, legislative and government information. This website contains a fairly comprehensive list of links related to California’s political landscape. www.politicalaccess.com Section V ELEVATE YOUR VOICE USING THE MEDIA

Why Use the Media?

In a world dominated by corporate media giants, it’s hard to understand how advocates working for social change can benefit from spending valuable time and energy engaging the news media. After all, the politicians, drug companies, and other for-profit interests have seemingly endless resources to hire public relations professionals to help shape their image in the media, begging the question, “How can we compete?”

The news media can But compete we must, if we are to successfully promote provide advocates, community-based solutions to help end the HIV pandemic. If their issues and their we do not engage the media, it is unlikely that they will cover organizations with the issues we care about from our perspective or even note our credibility and view in their coverage. And when they do cover our issues, you visibility, and can can bet that our opponents will be ready and willing to offer contribute significantly to the their policy solutions; solutions that may not be in the public successful promotion interest, or the best interests of people living with HIV/AIDS. of a progressive HIV/AIDS advocacy It is important for HIV/AIDS advocates to develop media agenda. advocacy skills to shape the stories and policy solutions conveyed by the media about HIV/AIDS issues. The media plays an essential role in educating the public about HIV/AIDS issues and shaping public opinion. The news media can provide advocates, their issues and their organizations with visibility and credibility, and can contribute significantly to the successful promotion of a progressive HIV/AIDS advocacy agenda. Through the media, advocates are also able to speak to decision makers to whom they may not otherwise have access.

More widespread use of the Internet and the expansion of public access television, cable news programs and talk radio have created new opportunities for community-based advocates to use the media to promote change. Often, however, advocates who have developed strong grassroots advocacy skills may lack the specific tools needed to engage Through the media, advocates the media. Though they may be skilled at responding to a are able to speak to decision makers to whom they may not reporter’s phone call, many do not have experience otherwise have access. generating a news story. The next section explains how to use the media as part of a broader grassroots advocacy agenda.

Using the Media to Shape a Policy Agenda

Media advocacy is a strategic tool used to positively shape stories told in the media in order to influence public opinion and positively impact the actions of policy makers and others. To be successful, media advocacy must be part of a broader strategy that includes grassroots organizing, policy research and development, strategic planning, and direct lobbying.

Shaping public opinion and the opinion A NOTE OF CAUTION! of people who can change the laws, regulations and funding decisions In some situations, the most effective strategy affecting people with HIV/AIDS is a may be to keep your issue out of the media. critical component of successful Think carefully about possible negative advocacy efforts. How the media covers consequences that may occur to your advocacy an issue often translates into how people efforts before embarking on your media think about an issue. For many policy advocacy efforts. Highly controversial and complex public health issues often fall into this makers, the lack of media coverage of an category and may be better served by no issue means that there is little sense of coverage at all. urgency regarding the need for action.

Educate Yourself; Develop a Media Plan

To use the media effectively, it is important that you do your homework. Questions to consider include: What are you hoping to accomplish with What is Newsworthy? your media advocacy efforts? Who is the audience you are trying to reach? What are the most effective media Your story must compete outlet(s) to reach your target audience? Who are the media with other news of the day. Think strategically and use contacts you need to develop relationships with to shape elements that appeal to a positive news stories? How have they portrayed your issue broad audience. Common in previous articles, news segments, etc.? The answers to news “hooks” include: these basic questions will help determine what steps are necessary for implementing a media advocacy plan that ü Local Impact sets clear, obtainable objectives and realistic goals. ü Personal Profile ü Conflict or Controversy ü Drama Creating simple, clear media messages that reinforce your ü Opinion Polls larger advocacy objectives is essential to persuading ü Injustice decision makers and the public to support your solution. ü Special Event As with any advocacy effort, the messenger plays a critical ü Scientific Breakthrough role. Ask yourself: Does the messenger(s) have credibility ü Anniversary/Holiday with the journalist and your target audience? Is she able to ü Celebrity Involvement stay on message and prepared to handle hostile reporters and difficult questions? Can he speak persuasively and with passion? Can she speak briefly and to the point? It is a wise Framing Example investment in time to answer these questions prior to engaging in media advocacy efforts. "The CARE Act has saved thousands of lives. It's as simple as that," Developing a Message said Pat Christen, SFAF's Executive Successful media advocates know that getting a story in the Director. "We must media is only half the battle. Ensuring the story portrays your remember that AIDS issue -- and your proposed solution -- in a positive way is the remains an enormous other half. How a story is told is referred to as the “frame” or public health emergency “spin” and shapes how the audience views who is responsible and that without the for the problem and the solution. The frame determines what CARE Act, the public information is included in the story and what is not. That is health infrastructure why developing a media message is so important. serving people with HIV would buckle." Journalists have both time and space limitations, so advocates working with the media must recognize that their success in pitching a news story to a journalist depends on helping the journalist understand why an issue is newsworthy. In general, there are three steps to framing your media message: (1) use an example or describe a personal story; (2) translate the personal problem or story into a political call for action; and (3) assign responsibility to those who have the power to create change.

Some Tips for Message Development:

ü Choose language that is accessible to a wide audience and reduce complex issues into manageable talking points. Use facts and examples to reinforce the points you make. Don’t try and explain the entire issue.

ü Assign responsibility for solving the problem to a policymaking entity. Unless they are told otherwise, most people assume that the solution to a problem lies with the individual rather than a policymaking body.

ü Frame the problem as a social justice issue, rather than an individual problem. It is important that decision makers not have the ability to shift blame onto the individual to avoid taking action. Speak to shared values. Give specific examples.

ü Define your policy or legislative solution and make a specific call to action.

ü When possible, use compelling visuals and symbols. Evoke images or pictures that help connect your story to the audience. ü Develop catchy sound bites; they will ensure that your perspective is part of the story.

ü Never lie to a reporter. If a reporter asks you a question you don’t know, say that you don’t know and will call back with an answer.

Working with Reporters

You will be much more successful as a media advocate if you develop an understanding of how the media and reporters work. For example, different media outlets have different deadlines. Do your homework to identify reporters covering your issue for the various media outlets you have It is important to identified in your media advocacy plan. Remember, more than remember that a one reporter may cover HIV/AIDS issues, depending on their reporter is neither assignment. Reporters may or may not have specific topic your friend nor your areas that they are assigned to cover, such as health policy. enemy but rather a Some reporters only cover the legislature while others only professional who is cover science and health policy. Identify the appropriate doing his or her job. reporter by contacting the media outlet and inquiring with the assignment editor. Seek out reporters at meetings and introduce yourself, offer them a business card and inquire about contact information.

It is important to remember that a reporter is neither your friend nor your enemy but rather a professional who is doing his or her job. Stick to the facts and avoid inflammatory rhetoric or hyperbole, as it will minimize your credibility. Know your issue, be accurate and be prepared to offer a catchy quote for publication. Your objective is to be known as a trusted and knowledgeable source of information for journalists.

Staying On Message

How and what a reporter asks you are important measures of what frame a reporter is testing out for the story. Reporters may be hostile towards you or your issue and ask questions that are intended to frame the issue in a negative light or put you on the defensive. Be prepared! Anticipate your opponent’s arguments and be prepared to respond when a reporter uses those arguments to counter your proposed solution. To succeed, you must shift the debate (and frame) back to your strategic message.

There is a reason why politicians Sample Bridging Phrases don’t answer questions. They are experienced media advocates, who ü “I can’t tell you that. What I can tell you is… know that spending valuable time ü What is important to remember is this… answering questions that don’t ü That brings me back to my main point, which is… advance their own agenda is ü The real issue is…. foolish. While you can’t control ü The most important point to remember is… what you are asked, you can control how you answer. Good media advocates learn how to use an interview skill known as “bridging” or “pivoting” to avoid answering a hostile or negative question, while keeping the interview focused on the strategic message. Prior to conducting an interview, practice handling difficult questions with a fellow advocate or friend so you can be prepared if you are confronted with a hostile question.

Pitching a Story

Once you have created a media plan that outlines your objectives, identifies your target Be Prepared! audience, media outlets and key messages, you Common questions from the media you are ready to engage the media. Picking up the should be prepared to answer include: phone and calling reporters to supply them Why are you concerned about this issue? with creative, newsworthy story elements is What impact does this have locally? known as the news pitch. Elements of a good Who do you represent? news pitch include a local or human-interest What are you trying to accomplish? angle, good visuals, and a credible and Who are your opponents? articulate spokesperson. Most of all, your We already covered this issue, why is this pitch must be newsworthy. Remember, different? reporters are often very busy, so be brief, Aren’t you shifting blame? respect their deadlines and schedules, and do What do you think the solution is? your homework so you know how the journalist or media outlet has covered your issue in the past. Plan and practice your pitch in advance. Anticipate questions and be prepared with clear, simple answers.

Media Advocacy Tools

There are a number of valuable tools that can help generate news stories. Each is helpful in different situations and should be used as part of an overall strategic media plan. Some examples -- like organizing a press conference or a demonstration -- require significantly more time, resources and planning. Other tools, including letters to the editor and opinion editorials, can be relatively quick and easy to accomplish with limited time and resources. The following overview provides basic tips for developing and using some common media advocacy tools. Examples are provided to show how these tools have been used in the past.

Media Advisory

The media advisory is a standard tool used by organizations to inform and invite the news media to cover news events. It is brief, and contains the “who, what, when, where, and why” essential to a journalist when she/he is deciding to cover a story. An advisory should be distributed to media outlets via email, fax or mail anywhere between two weeks and 24 hours prior to an event. Generally, it is preferable to distribute media advisories close to the day of the event you are promoting. This helps assure that your advisory registers on the media radar screen in a timely manner. Remember, reporters are interested in news, so make your event and your media advisory interesting and newsworthy. Please refer to page 41 for a sample media advisory.

News Release

The media or news release is designed to provide journalists with a more detailed overview of the news, and is usually written in a format that is similar to how a news story is written for a local newspaper. It uses the most newsworthy information first, quotes key spokespeople, uses facts and statistics, and most importantly, frames the problem and solution from your perspective (see page 42 for a sample news release). Small neighborhood newspapers may actually use your press release in its entirety as the story itself, so write it like you want it to appear to your target audience. Here are some basic tips for writing an effective media release:

ü FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE informs the news outlet that the information can be used immediately. Use EMBARGOED UNTIL... if you have a hold on when the reporter can use the information you are releasing. ü DATE and CONTACT should always be at the top of the page. ü The HEADLINE should be in all caps, and should summarize the news in the release. Use a logo if your media release is being generated by a coalition or organization. The headline is critical: It is what the reporter will read first, and what he or she will use to decide if your “news” has merit and deserves an investment of their time. ü Begin the release with a summary paragraph that frames the issue and key messages. ü Prioritize the news in the release. Put the most newsworthy information first. ü Quote your spokespeople following summary paragraphs reinforcing key messages. Remember, the messenger is important and should be credible to your audience. Brief quotes are more likely to be used in news stories. ü Try to use catchy sound bites that frame the issue and capture the attention of the audience. ü Be brief (generally one, or at most, two pages), factually accurate, and refrain from using rhetoric or inflammatory language.

Letter to the Editor

Reporters, policy makers, and the public often read letters to the editor to measure the public mood, identify timely issues and monitor the public debate. For individuals not comfortable with doing a television, radio or newspaper interview, the letter to the editor provides a simple, easy and valuable tool to contribute to media and the overall advocacy efforts on an issue. Letters can extend the length of time an issue remains on the public agenda and help maintain a sense of urgency for policy makers. Please see page 43 for a sample letter to the editor.

Some basic tips to follow with letters to the editor include:

ü Make them timely. Tell the reader why you are writing. ü Make them brief. Touch on one or two points. Use facts/data if possible. ü Make it personal. Take a strong stance but use respectful language. ü Sign them and provide contact information.

Opinion-Editorial

The “op-ed” provides advocates an opportunity to bring more attention to an issue and explore the problem and proposed solution in greater detail. They are also very effective in communicating your perspective to policy makers. In effect, the op-ed allows you to frame the issue from your own perspective, use statistics and studies to reinforce key arguments, and communicate your message in the strongest terms. While letters to the editor often run following a news story and can be reactive in nature, the op-ed can be used proactively to frame an issue before a decision or action has been taken. Op-eds can also be used to counter a negative editorial or expand on a prior news story that failed to carry the HIV/AIDS advocates’ perspective. Sample op-eds can be found on pages 44-46.

Some basic tips for writing and submitting an effective op-ed include:

ü Identify an author or spokesperson with credibility on the issue and who is persuasive in the eyes of your target audience. ü Be brief (between 600-800 words); begin the piece by outlining the issue using your frame. ü Use compelling personal stories. Evoke strong images. Praise success. ü Use statistics and make key arguments that are persuasive to your target audience. ü Timing is important. Work to pitch the op-ed at a strategic time that will most benefit your media advocacy and broader advocacy efforts. ü Identify the person in charge of op-eds at your target paper(s). Call in advance and explore the level of interest in publishing an op-ed. Remember, the paper is in the business of selling news so make your pitch newsworthy. Editorials

The editorial pages of your local newspaper provide another opportunity for you to advance your agenda. Policy makers will often follow the editorial pages as a way of gauging public opinion. Each newspaper has its own editorial board whose members often look to community and business leaders to get ideas for editorials. Although the process for preparing editorials may vary by paper, most are written two or three days in advance of publication.

If you are trying to secure a favorable editorial, start by pulling together a packet of information and sending it, along with a cover letter, to the paper (you can find out who the editorial page contact is by calling the phone number listed in the paper). Your cover letter should include a description of the issue and your main arguments. If necessary, request a face-to-face meeting to explain your issue in greater detail. Remember to include supportive editorials in packets you distribute to lawmakers as it helps show broad support for your issue. A sample editorial board cover letter is found on page 47.

Making News: Events That Create News

Often, sending a press release or calling to pitch a story is not enough. Journalists want to write about issues and cover stories that are compelling and dramatic. Sometimes, to generate news stories, advocates are forced to be a bit more creative by staging news events. Be strategic and develop events that most effectively communicate your message – not only with facts and figures, but with strong visual elements, too. If the news event creates an opportunity for a compelling photograph or television image to accompany the report, it usually means the story will be placed in a prominent place in the paper or television news report. Where you choose to hold your event is also important, so be strategic and think about what message you are trying to send by the choice of location.

Ideas for Creating News

v Press Conferences are good for releasing polling data, announcing a boycott, delivering petitions, announcing legal action, using a celebrity spokesperson for your issue, or offering a reward.

v Demonstrations, Marches and Rallies are good for mobilizing grassroots members in a visually compelling or dramatic fashion, and provide an opportunity to expand your coalition efforts.

v Special Events are good for interesting stunts that create a buzz within your target audience, including holding your own “mock” or “shadow” event to counter the message of your opponents. Be creative! WHERE TO GO TO BE ‘IN THE KNOW’ ABOUT MEDIA ADVOCACY Benton Foundation www.benton.org A web resource packed with information about communications technology focused on advocacy. The site includes a “best practices” guide and a “toolkit” to help advocates make better use of communications technology. PH: 202/638-5770; F: 202/638-5771; email: [email protected]

SPIN Project www.spinproject.org The Strategic Press Information Network provides technical media assistance to nonprofit public interest organizations, and just released SPIN WORKS!: A Media Guidebook for Communicating Values and Shaping Opinion, by Robert Bray. SPIN Works is an excellent tool for advocates looking for more tips for effective media advocacy. PH: 415/284-1427; email: [email protected]

News for a Change: An Advocate’s Guide to Working With the Media An excellent workbook for budding media advocates that is crammed with “basic principles, practical suggestions, clear examples and specific tips” to help policy advocates use the media. Written by a team of media advocacy experts at the Berkeley Media Studies Group, it is available from Sage Publications, at www.sagepub.com.

FAIR – Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting www.fair.org A national media watch group offering “well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship.” FAIR scrutinizes media practices that marginalize public interest, minority, and dissenting viewpoints. Its website offers media activism resources, action alerts, and links to news stories.

We Interrupt This Message www.interrupt.org A national nonprofit media strategy and training center dedicated to building capacity in grassroots and public interest organizations to conduct media work, as well as to reframe public debate and interrupt media stereotypes. The organization offers beginning and advanced trainings and technical assistance to individuals and groups interested in conducting media activism campaigns. Sample Media Advisory

NEWS ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1999

CONTACT: Patti Habel (916) 319-2006

WHO: ASSEMBLYMEMBER KERRY MAZZONI AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF AB 518

WHAT: PRESS CONFERENCE ON AB 518 – CLEAN NEEDLE AND SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROJECTS

WHY: NEW POLLING DATA SHOWING STRONG SUPPORT FOR NEEDLE EXCHANGE TO BE RELEASED – AB 518 TO REACH GOVERNOR’S DESK

WHEN: 11:00 A.M.

WHERE: ROOM 1190, STATE CAPITOL BUILDING

SACRAMENTO--- Assemblymember Kerry Mazzoni (D-San Rafael), has announced a press conference to release new polling data demonstrating strong support for clean needle and syringe exchange projects in California. The Field Institute performed the polling and the data will be discussed at the press conference.

Assembly Bill 518 (Mazzoni), legislation to authorize local governments to implement clean needle and syringe exchange programs throughout California, will arrive on the Governor’s desk on Thursday, August 26, 1999. Mazzoni will be joined at the press conference by representatives from the dozens of organizations supporting AB 518, to urge Governor Davis to sign the bill. In addition, Dr. Neil Flynn, Professor of Medicine, will speak about the research on needle exchange programs.

### Sample News Release For Immediate Release Contact: Gustavo Suarez (415) 487-3031

NEWS RELEASE AIDS Advocates Voice Concern Over Governor's Proposed Budget

Increased Support Needed for Care and Prevention Efforts to Keep Pace with State's Growing Epidemic

San Francisco, CA, January 10, 2001 -- The San Francisco AIDS Foundation expressed disappointment today with Governor Davis' proposed budget for the 2001-2002 Fiscal Year, saying that, despite substantial budget surpluses, the state's AIDS programs are not fully addressing growth in the epidemic. The Foundation called on the Governor to significantly increase support for HIV care and prevention programs.

"This year, the state enjoys an $7 billion surplus yet the Governor has proposed no new state funding for HIV and AIDS programs," said Dana Van Gorder, SFAF's State Policy Director. "Meanwhile, there is mounting evidence that new HIV infections in California are increasing and more people are living with AIDS. State spending needs to reflect these realities." It is currently estimated that as many as 130,000 Californians are living with HIV or AIDS. An additional 8,000 of the state's residents are estimated to become newly infected with HIV each year.

Though the Governor's budget plan includes an increase of $5 million from federal sources for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides HIV drugs to people who cannot otherwise afford them, the AIDS Foundation believes the program will need a total increase of approximately $10 million. The AIDS Foundation today called upon the Governor to use state General Funds to provide the additional $5 million needed for ADAP. "ADAP is an essential healthcare program providing AIDS medications for over 19,000 Californians and it must be fully funded," Van Gorder said. "It is crucial, however, that additional ADAP funding not come at the expense of other HIV programs."

The AIDS Foundation will join other AIDS advocates in asking the Governor and State Legislature to provide funding for a range of HIV and AIDS programs. Those programs include treatment programs for gay men who use methamphetamine (speed), which has been shown to correlate with unsafe sexual behavior and new cases of HIV infection; "Prevention for Positives" programs to increase safer-sex awareness and support adherence to complicated medication schedules among HIV-positive people; and increased funding for affordable housing programs, one of the most pressing needs faced by low-income people living with HIV and AIDS.

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation has been at the forefront of the battle against HIV disease since 1982. Through its comprehensive array of compassionate and critical services such as cutting-edge treatment publications, one-on-one treatment consultations, housing assistance, and the California AIDS Hotline (800/367-AIDS), the AIDS Foundation annually serves 120,000 individuals impacted by HIV and AIDS. The non-profit, community-based organization reaches nearly 1 million others through community outreach, advocacy efforts, prevention programs , and the Web (www.sfaf.org ).

### Sample Letter to the Editor

September 10, 1998

Letters to the Editor San Francisco Chronicle VIA FACSIMILE: 415/543-7708

Dear Editor:

Cary Savitch’s Open Forum “Price of Privacy – AIDS and Death” (09/08/98) gravely mischaracterizes AB 1663 (Migden). This bill will allow public health officials to gather critical information about the epidemic while protecting the confidentiality of people living with HIV. It establishes a much-needed HIV reporting system in California that does not rely on the use of individuals’ names.

By using a coded system, this bill will minimize the extent to which individuals at highest risk for HIV infection are deterred from HIV testing and medical care. Ensuring that individuals are not driven away from testing and early care is a critical public health objective that Mr. Savitch completely ignores.

California joins several states in moving towards a non-names based approach to HIV reporting. Maryland has had an HIV reporting system that utilizes a unique code since 1993 and public health officials in that state are very pleased with their system. In addition, several other states, including Massachusetts, Hawaii, Washington, and Connecticut are in the process of implementing or considering a coded approach to HIV reporting.

Finally, contrary to Mr. Savitch’s contentions, the names of people living with HIV are not needed to inform their sexual partners of possible exposure to HIV. Effective voluntary partner notification programs are already in place throughout California and will not be restricted in any way by AB 1663. Mr. Savitch’s article is a gross disservice to the efforts of public health officials, advocates and legislators who have been working all year to ensure enactment of a sound HIV reporting system in California.

Sincerely,

Pat Christen Executive Director Sample Opinion Editorial #1

Black Gay Men Face More Hostilities, Rejection The affects of such treatment has led to their increased risk of HIV infection

By Lonnie Payne Wednesday, February 2, 2000 San Francisco Chronicle

TWO YEARS AGO, a poster began appearing around San Francisco that stopped many people in their tracks.

Accompanying a drawing of a young black man were the words ``Racism. Homophobia. Which do you prefer?'' The message was simple, direct and powerful. As an African American gay man living with HIV, I believe the poster spoke with startling precision to the reality that many gay and bisexual men of color encounter every day of their lives.

Initiated by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation's Black Brothers Esteem Program, the Racism/Homophobia campaign was based on research conducted by the foundation and UCSF's Center for AIDS Prevention, which indicated that the racism and homophobia gay and bisexual African American men experience is a significant factor in HIV infection.

Facing hostility and rejection within the black community, as well as in society as a whole, many of the men who participated in the research study reflected lives deeply steeped in feelings of isolation and lack of self-worth. Those feelings in turn led to self- destructive behavior.

Given this background, it was not surprising that the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that in 1998 the number of AIDS cases among gay and bisexual African American and Latino men had for the first time exceeded that among gay and bisexual white men. It was also not surprising that the CDC specifically cited homophobia as a significant factor in the risk for HIV infection among men of color.

As a whole, black gay men have been invisible in American society. We have been scorned within the black community, which often views us with open hostility. In the general society as well as in the wider gay community, where racism is also prevalent, we often encounter rejection and marginalization. The effects have been devastating, contributing to rates of HIV infection among men of color that far exceed those among other groups. Some may believe that self-esteem and identity are merely tangential factors that play only a minor role in the spread of HIV. This view, however, is difficult to sustain in the face of mounting data. It is now absurd to ignore that feelings of self-loathing, isolation and worthlessness are core factors in HIV infection. If we as a society want to have an impact on the number of new HIV infections, we cannot afford to ignore these core issues.

There is a deadly synergy of homophobia, AIDSphobia and racism at work, and it is devastating the black community. Some believe the stigma attached to homosexuality is greater within the African American community than it is among whites. Others say the stigma itself is not greater, but rather that black men must rely more on their community as a source of sanctuary, and so rejection by the community has a greater and more destructive impact. In either case, the result is the same -- a powerful fear that leads men to feel isolated and to remain hidden, presenting a major impediment to HIV education and outreach efforts.

In too many instances, the African-American community has responded with silence and denial to this plague that is ravaging its own. The evidence is now clear and unequivocal. No one can claim ignorance. The African-American community must end its denial and inaction. Prominent public figures, from spiritual leaders to sports figures, performing artists and politicians must speak out. The media must do its part to raise awareness. And private and government agencies must not shirk their responsibilities.

If we are to have the accelerated, targeted and comprehensive response that is crucially needed, all these groups must play their part. Let us hope these new, grim CDC statistics are a catalyst for the urgent action that is so desperately needed.

### Sample Opinion Editorial #2

Creating Effective AIDS Vaccines

Commentary by Pat Christen OUTRreach (June 2000)

The mission of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is "to end the HIV pandemic and the human suffering caused by AIDS,” and yet today we are further away from realizing our mission than ever before. Despite increasingly sophisticated treatments, enormously successful prevention programs, and a local system of HIV-related care that is the envy of the world, the global pandemic is out of control, and the resulting human suffering is shocking.

We have all heard the statistics regarding the millions of AIDS-related deaths and AIDS orphans in Africa. It may seem that we have enough to contend with at home without taking on the suffering of others abroad; and yet the catastrophe of AIDS in the developing world calls to mind the early 1980s in San Francisco. Then, eight thousand HIV infections per year were occurring. The death rate was climbing. We were scared and isolated.

At that time, we made the case that this was a problem for the nation. Now we must make the same case for the world. We must be willing to play a forceful role in ending the global pandemic as well as our local epidemic.

In most parts of the developing world, triple combination drug therapy for HIV is too costly to be a viable solution. A vaccine is imperative. Even so, the social, political and economic obstacles to developing an AIDS vaccine are considerable.

First, we must be vigilant about ensuring that vaccine efforts in no way undermine development of better treatments and, ideally, a cure for those living with HIV. Second, we must remember that any vaccine is only one part of an overall prevention strategy. There is no guarantee that vaccines will be 100% effective. Needle exchange, condom use, and other proven AIDS prevention strategies must be supported and expanded.

Third, community education and participation in vaccine trial designs and the trials themselves are essential. There are real concerns for trial participants regarding health care, the need for counseling and safe sex education, and false positive results on antibody tests that lead to loss of insurance.

Fourth, we need money to develop and test vaccines. Human trials are expensive, and they need to take place over a multi-year period in order to determine the effectiveness of a potential vaccine.

And last, we must create the political will. While it is true that we in San Francisco and the U.S. cannot do everything, we can do some things very well, and that includes leading the effort to create effective AIDS vaccines. Our challenge in the coming year will be to create the political will—the social, political and economic incentives—necessary to find a vaccine for AIDS.

We in the Bay Area come from a legacy of greatness. We are part of a community that refused to allow our cherished friends to die. We must now remind ourselves that all of humanity is to be cherished. ### Sample Letter to Editorial Board

Support Access to Early Care for People Living with HIV

October 11, 2000

Name Newspaper Address City, State, Zip

Dear Mr./Ms. ______:

We are writing to urge you to editorialize in favor of the Early Treatment for HIV Act (currently H.R. 1591 by Representative Nancy Pelosi and S. 902 by Senator Robert Torricelli). This critical legislation gives states the option to add poor and low-income uninsured persons living with HIV to the category of those eligible for Medicaid. There is currently active deliberation taking place in Washington about incorporating this bill into other federal legislation that is being considered during these final weeks of the 106th Congress.

Currently, most people living with HIV are ineligible for Medicaid until they meet the Social Security definition of disability, which generally includes an AIDS diagnosis and/or disabling symptoms. As a result, individuals must wait until the later stages of HIV disease to obtain the comprehensive health benefits provided through Medicaid. This policy directly contradicts federal HIV treatment guidelines that recommend early care for HIV disease. The federal Department of Health and Human Services — recognizing the success of early HIV care in delaying the progression from HIV infection to AIDS in many people — supports early intervention as a key strategy in improving the health and quality of life of individuals living with the disease. Without Medicaid coverage, critical treatments and health care coverage will remain out of reach to thousands of low-income uninsured people living with HIV.

Early HIV care saves both lives and money. As the AIDS epidemic continues to spread within low- income communities, which are already disproportionately affected by the disease, the burden of care increasingly falls on state and federal governments. Cost-effective programs that delay the onset of AIDS are sound fiscal policy because treatment costs are at their highest between an AIDS diagnosis and death. Antiretroviral regimens significantly lower the cost and need for hospitalizations, treatment of opportunistic infections and terminal care. In addition, individuals receiving early HIV care are often able to continue working, leading to a considerable reduction in disability costs and allowing people as taxpayers and productive citizens to maintain their role as active contributors to their communities. Finally, enactment of this legislation would also go a long way towards helping to reduce the disparity in HIV-related health outcomes that currently exist among people of color.

It is unconscionable and fiscally unsound to deny life-saving treatments and medical care to low income Americans living with HIV. The Early Treatment for HIV Act is as fiscally sound as it is morally right. We therefore urge you to endorse this important legislation and to urge the President and Congress to enact this legislation swiftly. Additional information regarding the benefits of this legislation is attached. If you have any questions about this issue, please feel free to contact any of the individuals/groups listed below.

Sincerely,

Fred Dillon Public Policy Director APPENDIX A

A Brief Overview of the Legislative and Budget Processes

In order to advance a progressive agenda (or stop a not so progressive agenda), it’s important for AIDS advocates to have at least a cursory understanding of the sometimes complicated legislative procedures used by Congress and the State Legislature. Most new programs are created (also referred to as “authorized”) through the legislative process, which involves introducing bills, negotiating amendments, and securing the signature of the Governor or President. Legislative committees and their staff play a very important role in this process, helping shape a proposal before it’s sent to the full body (floor) for a vote. Figure 1 gives a brief overview of the California legislative process. On the following pages is C-SPAN’s description of the equivalent process used by Congress.

Figure 1: The California Legislative Process Federal Legislation: How A Bill Becomes a Law

Introduction: Anyone may draft a bill; however, only members of Congress can introduce legislation, and by doing so become the sponsor(s). There are four basic types of legislation: bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, and simple resolutions. The official legislative process begins when a bill or resolution is numbered - H.R. signifies a House bill and S. a Senate bill - referred to a committee and printed by the Government Printing Office.

Step 1. Referral to Committee: With few exceptions, bills are referred to standing committees in the House or Senate according to carefully delineated rules of procedure. Step 2. Committee Action: When a bill reaches a committee it is placed on the committee's calendar. A bill can be referred to a subcommittee or considered by the committee as a whole. It is at this point that a bill is examined carefully and its chances for passage are determined. If the committee does not act on a bill, it is the equivalent of killing it. Step 3. Subcommittee Review: Often, bills are referred to a subcommittee for study and hearings. Hearings provide the opportunity to put on the record the views of the executive branch, experts, other public officials, supporters and opponents of the legislation. Testimony can be given in person or submitted as a written statement. Step 4. Mark Up: When the hearings are completed, the subcommittee may meet to "mark up" the bill, that is, make changes and amendments prior to recommending the bill to the full committee. If a subcommittee votes not to report legislation to the full committee, the bill dies. Step 5. Committee Action to Report A Bill: After receiving a subcommittee's report on a bill, the full committee can conduct further study and hearings, or it can vote on the subcommittee's recommendations and any proposed amendments. The full committee then votes on its recommendation to the House or Senate. This procedure is called "ordering a bill reported." Step 6. Publication of a Written Report: After a committee votes to have a bill reported, the committee chairman instructs staff to prepare a written report on the bill. This report describes the intent and scope of the legislation, impact on existing laws and programs, position of the executive branch, and views of dissenting members of the committee. Step 7. Scheduling Floor Action: After a bill is reported back to the chamber where it originated, it is placed in chronological order on the calendar. In the House there are several different legislative calendars, and the Speaker and majority leader largely determine if, when, and in what order bills come up. In the Senate there is only one legislative calendar. Step 8. Debate: When a bill reaches the floor of the House or Senate, there are rules or procedures governing the debate on legislation. These rules determine the conditions and amount of time allocated for general debate. Step 9. Voting: After the debate and the approval of any amendments, the bill is passed or defeated by the members voting. Step 10. Referral to Other Chamber: When a bill is passed by the House or the Senate, it is referred to the other chamber where it usually follows the same route through committee and floor action. This chamber may approve the bill as received, reject it, ignore it, or change it. Step 11. Conference Committee Action: If only minor changes are made to a bill by the other chamber, it is common for the legislation to go back to the first chamber for concurrence. However, when the actions of the other chamber significantly alter the bill, a conference committee is formed to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions. If the conferees are unable to reach agreement, the legislation dies. If agreement is reached, a conference report is prepared describing the committee members recommendations for changes. Both the House and the Senate must approve of the conference report. Step 12. Final Actions: After a bill has been approved by both the House and Senate, in identical form, it is sent to the President. If the President approves of the legislation he signs it and it becomes law. Or, the President can take no action for ten days, while Congress is in session, and it automatically becomes law. If the President opposes the bill he can veto it; or, if he takes no action after the Congress has adjourned its second session, it is a "pocket veto" and the legislation dies. Step 13. Overriding a Veto: If the President vetoes a bill, Congress may attempt to "override the veto." This requires a two-thirds roll call vote of the members who are present in sufficient numbers for a quorum. Source: http://www.c-span.org/

The Budget and Appropriations Processes – Show Us the Money!

In addition to passing new laws, every year the Legislature and Congress must allocate funding for each government program. In California, the legislative process used to allocate funding is referred to as the budget process, and at the federal level it is referred to as the appropriations process. The budget and appropriations processes are very similar to the general legislative processes used to pass other laws. The most significant difference is that there are legislative committees at the state and federal levels that only deal with the budget or appropriations bills, and not other general legislation.

AIDS advocates are very engaged in the budget and appropriations processes in Sacramento and Washington, DC, because it is through these annual deliberations that funding levels for vital community-based services are determined. These legislative processes -- which can take six to eight months, or longer, if there is a stalemate -- usually begin formally in January (with the Governor’s release of his budget proposal) and February (with the President’s release of his plan for the coming year). However, skilled advocates know that they must begin their work many months in advance of these dates, preparing their own budget proposals in order to influence the Administration’s request. By starting early and remaining vigilant throughout the budget and appropriations process, advocates can help shape funding levels that best reflect the needs of communities. For more information on the Federal budget, check out the following U.S. government websites:

· U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations: http://www.senate.gov/~appropriations/process.htm · U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations http://www.house.gov/appropriations/welcome.html · Office of Management and Budget (OMB): “A Citizen's Guide to the Federal Budget”: http://w3.access.gpo.gov/usbudget/fy2001/guidetoc.html

For more information on the State budget process, check out these California government websites:

· California State Assembly Budget Committee: http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/newcomframeset.asp?committee=4 (Click on “Budget Process” and “Budget Cycle”) · California State Senate Budget Committee: http://www.sen.ca.gov/ftp/SEN/COMMITTEE/STANDING/BFR/_H OME/purse.htm

Additional information about the state budget can be found at the California Budget Project at: http://www.cbp.org/. CBP has published a book entitled, “Dollars and Democracy: An Advocate's Guide to the California State Budget Process,” which is available online. Click “Order Forms” and scroll down to “California Budget Project Reports,” (March 1999).

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Are Non-Profits Allowed to Lobby?

Many people who work for non-profit organizations are unsure if it’s legal for them to engage in public interest lobbying. The short answer is yes, tax-exempt non-profits (501(c)(3)’s) are allowed to lobby. The longer answer is yes, with some restrictions, including how much of your agency’s resources (e.g. salary, travel, and phone costs) are used for both “direct” lobbying (involving direct communication with elected officials) and “indirect,” or grassroots lobbying. Both activities are allowed, but each is subject to a different spending limit.

The IRS also recognizes that not all policy work or communication with elected officials is lobbying. Efforts to educate an elected official are not considered lobbying unless the intent is to influence the member’s action or vote on a specific piece of legislation.

In addition to spending limits, there are two prohibitions that non-profits must adhere to: 501(c)(3) organizations are expressly prohibited from engaging in electoral politics where the intent is to influence how individual citizens vote for a candidate in an election (for example, by endorsing a candidate or making contributions to a candidate using agency funds). Ballot initiatives are not included in the ban on electoral politics. Non- profits are also prohibited from using government funds -- be they local, state or federal -- for lobbying.

For more information about lobbying by non-profits, please refer to “The Nonprofit Lobbying Guide: Advocating Your Cause and Getting Results,” Second Edition, by Bob Smucker for the Independent Sector. The Independent Sector is located in Washington, D.C. (202/387-5048). A complete copy of the guide is also available on the Independent Sector’s website at: www.independentsector.org.

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USEFUL HIV/AIDS-RELATED WEBSITES

Academy for Educational http://www.aed.org/ Development ACT UP, New York http://www.actupny.org AEGIS HIV/AIDS Web http://www.aegis.com Portal African American AIDS http://www.aaapti.org Policy and Training Institute AIDS Action Committee http://www.aac.org Boston AIDS Action Council http://www.aidsaction.org AIDS Alliance for Children, http://www.aids-alliance.org/ Youth and Families AIDS Clinical Trials http://www.actis.org Information AIDS Foundation of Chicago http://www.aidschicago.org/ AIDS Project Los Angeles http://www.apla.org AIDS Treatment Data http://www.aidsinfonyc.org/network/ Network AIDS Treatment News http://www.thebody.com/atn/atnpage.html AIDS Vaccine Advocacy http://www.avac.org Coalition (AVAC) American Civil Liberties http://www.aclu.org/issues/aids/hmaids.html Union AIDS Project American Foundation for http://www.amfar.org AIDS Research (amfAR) Asian & Pacific Islander http://www.apiwellness.org/ Wellness Center Asian/Pacific Islander http://www.apiahf.org American Health Forum Bienestar Latino AIDS Project http://www.bienestar.org The Body – An HIV/AIDS http://www.thebody.com/index.shtml Information and Resource Guide Bulletin of Experimental http://www.sfaf.org/beta.html Treatments for AIDS (BETA) CA State Office of AIDS http://www.dhs.ca.gov/aids/ CAEAR Coalition http://www.caear.org/ CDC National Prevention http://www.cdcnpin.org Information Network Center for AIDS Prevention http://www.caps.ucsf.edu/ Studies (CAPS) Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov and Prevention (CDC) Critical Path AIDS Project http://www.critpath.org DHHS Office of HIV/AIDS http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/aids/ohaphome.html Policy (OHAP) Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric http://www.pedaids.org/ AIDS Foundation Filipino Task Force on AIDS http://www.ftfa.org/ of Northern California Funders Concerned About http://www.fcaaids.org/ AIDS Gay Men's Health Crisis http://www.gmhc.org Global Health Council http://www.globalhealth.org/ Harvard AIDS Institute http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hai/ Health Resources and Services http://www.hrsa.gov Administration (HRSA) HIV Info Web http://www.aegis.com/hivinfoweb/trd/htr-search.html HIV Insite/UCSF AIDS http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/ari/ Research Institute HIV Travel Information http://www.aegis.com/topics/travel.html HIV/AIDS Treatment http://www.hivatis.org/ Information Service Human Rights Campaign http://www.hrc.org/ International AIDS Vaccine http://www.iavi.org Initiative (IAVI) International Association of http://www.iapac.org Physicians in AIDS Care International Center for http://www.icrw.org/ Research on Women International Council of AIDS http://www.icaso.org/ Service Organizations (ICASO) JAMA HIV/AIDS Info. Center http://www.ama-assn.org/special/hiv Kaiser Family Foundation http://www.kff.org/ Lambda Legal Defense and http://www.lambdalegal.org/ Education Fund Latino Commission on AIDS http://www.latinoaids.org/ Lifelong AIDS Alliance http://www.lifelongaidsalliance.org/ (Seattle, WA) Living HIV Positive Resource http://www.hiv-positive.com Center LLEGÓ, the National http://www.llego.org/ Latino/a GLBT Organization MEDLINE Searches http://www.healthgate.com/HealthGate/MEDLINE/search.shtml Medscape http://www.medscape.com/ MedWeb http://www.emory.edu/medweb/medweb.aids.html The Names Project http://www.aidsquilt.org/Newsite/ National AIDS Housing http://www.aidshousing.org/ (Click on Advocacy) Coalition (NAHC) National AIDS Treatment http://www.natap.org/ Advocacy Project National Association of http://www.thecure.org People With AIDS (NAPWA) National Association of State http://www.nastad.org/ and Territorial AIDS Directors National Black Leadership http://www.blca.org/construction.htm Commission on AIDS National Gay and Lesbian http://ngltf.org Task Force National Health Law Project – http://www.healthlaw.org/pubs/199910HAInternet.html Advocates’ Guide to Internet National Institute of Allergy and http://www.niaid.nih.gov Infectious Disease (NIAID) National Minority AIDS http://www.nmac.org Council (NMAC) National Native American http://www.nnaapc.org/ AIDS Prevention Center NIH Office of AIDS http://www.nih.gov/od/oar/ Research (OAR) North American Syringe http://www.nasen.org/ Exchange Network (NASEN) Office of Minority Health http://www.omhrc.gov/omh/aids/ta/ta_toc.htm (DHHS) Positive Nation http://www.positivenation.co.uk POZ Magazine http://www.POZ.com Presidential Advisory Council http://www.pacha.gov/ on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) Project Inform http://www.projinf.org San Francisco AIDS http://www.sfaf.org Foundation Substance Abuse and Mental http://www.samhsa.gov/ Health Services Administration Survive AIDS (formerly ACT http://www.surviveaids.org/ UP Golden Gate) Syringe Exchange Resources http://www.projectsero.org/ Online Treatment Action Group http://www.aidsinfonyc.org/tag/ (TAG) U.S. Dept. of Housing and http://www.hud.gov/cpd/hopwahom.html Urban Development/HOPWA U.S. Surgeon General http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/aids/frconfronting.html UNAIDS – Joint United Nations http://www.unaids.org Programme on HIV/AIDS White House Office of National http://www.whitehouse.gov/onap/index.html AIDS Policy (ONAP) Whitman-Walker Clinic http://www.wwc.org/start.htm Women Organized to Respond http://www.womenhiv.org/ to Life-Threatening Diseases World Health Organization http://www.who.org Acknowledgments

Thanks to Health Policy Consultants Regina Aragón and Steven B. Johnson for writing this manual, and to Anne Carey, Fred Dillon, Tamara Dukes and Dana Van Gorder for editorial assistance and invaluable input.

Thanks to Paula Fener for the cover design.

HIV/AIDS Public Policy Information

The HIV Advocacy Network is operated by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Public Policy Department. The Public Policy Department advocates for adequate funding for HIV/AIDS programs and appropriate HIV/AIDS public policies at the federal, state and local levels of government.

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation Public Policy Department Staff

Anne Carey Assistant to the Public Policy Director Fred Dillon Public Policy Director Tamara Dukes HIV Advocacy Network Manager Ernest Hopkins Director of Federal Affairs Kaarina Ornelas Policy Analyst Dana Van Gorder Director of State and Local Affairs

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation, through its comprehensive array of compassionate and critical services such as one-on-one treatment consultations, housing assistance and the California AIDS Hotline (800/367-AIDS), annually serves 130,000 individuals impacted by HIV and AIDS. The non-profit, community-based organization reaches nearly one million others through community outreach, advocacy efforts, prevention campaigns, and the Web (www.sfaf.org).

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